Titus – Philemon
Evangelism has gotten a bad rap. From both Christians and non-Christians alike, there’s agreement: nobody likes it! There are as many reasons why it’s disliked as there are people engaged in or who encounter evangelism. But it’s too bad, especially when Christians steer away from sharing their faith. In Paul’s short letter to Philemon he writes something interesting in regards to why sharing your faith is important. In verse 6 he says,
“I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ.” (NIV)
Did you catch that? Paul did not say he prays that Philemon may actively share his faith so that many will meet Jesus (although Paul does express that desire elsewhere). He does say to Philemon that actively sharing his faith will help him to have a “full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ.” Now that is a little different take on evangelism, isn’t it? Yet on reflection it makes sense. Have you ever tried to explain how something works to a friend only to discover that in the teaching you have actually learned more? It requires you to think it through better in order to be able to communicate it. The same is true with the Gospel.
Have you ever felt stagnant in your faith? The solution may be as simple as beginning to share your faith with others. Ask God for an opportunity to talk about your faith with someone today and see what happens. You just might find your walk with God invigorated!
--Nils
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